Optical control system including mount for optical component having independent multi-axial control

ABSTRACT

An optical control system including a mount for an optical component is disclosed that provides the flexibility of independently adjusting the position and orientation of the optical component along and about one or more axes. In an exemplary embodiment, the mount includes a support element for supporting the optical component; one or more rotational adjustment elements for rotating said support element independently about one or more axes, respectively; and one or more linear adjustment elements for moving said support element independently along one or more axes. The adjustment elements may be manually adjustable and/or may be adjustable by an actuator. In the latter case, the actuator may be electronically controlled by a controller. The optical component may be a reflective, transmissive, or reflective/transmissive optical device, such as diffraction gratings, mirrors, beam splitters, and others.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. Non-provisional applicationSer. No. 11/828,841 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,688,528 B2, entitled “MOUNT FOROPTICAL COMPONENT HAVING INDEPENDENT MULTI-AXIAL CONTROL”, and filed onJul. 26, 2007, which in turn claims the benefit of ProvisionalApplication Ser. No. 60/837,522, similarly titled and filed on Aug. 14,2006, both of which are herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

Optical systems typically comprise a plurality of components includinglaser sources, mirrors, diffraction gratings, beam splitters, and otheroptical components. The position and orientation of the opticalcomponents relative to each other generally require carefulconsideration in order to implement the desired functionality of thesystem. Since the wavelength of light emissions is relatively small(e.g., in the nanometer range), the position and orientation of theoptical components generally require substantial precision.

In the past, optical systems included custom-made mounts for supportingindividual optical components. These custom-made mounts only providedsupport for the optical components. Generally, the entire mount wouldhave to be manually moved in order to properly position and orientatethe optical component to achieve the desired functionality. Because thewavelength of light emissions is relatively small, proper positioningand orientation of optical components would typically be time-consuming,inaccurate, and not very repeatable.

SUMMARY

An aspect of the invention relates to a mount for an optical componentthat provides the flexibility of independently adjusting the positionand orientation of the optical component along and about one or moreaxes. In an exemplary embodiment, the mount comprises a support elementfor supporting the optical component; one or more rotational adjustmentelements for rotating said support element independently about one ormore axes, respectively; and one or more linear adjustment elements formoving said support element independently along one or more axes,respectively. The adjustment elements may be manually adjustable and/ormay be adjustable by an actuator. In the latter case, the actuator maybe electronically controlled by a controller. The optical component maybe a reflective, transmissive, or reflective/transmissive opticaldevice, such as diffraction gratings, mirrors, beam splitters, andothers.

In a more specific embodiment, the mount comprises a support element forsupporting the optical component; a first adjustment element for movingthe support element only along a first axis; a second adjustment elementfor rotating the support element only about the first axis; and a thirdadjustment element for rotating the support element only about a secondaxis that is substantially orthogonal to the first axis. The mount mayfurther comprise a fourth adjustment element for adjusting the rotationof the support element about a third axis that is substantiallyorthogonal to the first and second axes. The mount may additionallycomprise fifth and/or sixth adjustment elements for independently movingthe support element along the second and third axes, respectively. Theadjustment elements may include locks for fixing the position andorientation of the support element in selected positions andorientations. The adjustment elements may be controlled manually or byan actuator.

Yet another aspect of the invention relates to an optical controlsystem, comprising a mount, a controller, and a plurality of actuators.The mount, in turn, comprises a support for an optical component; andone or more rotational adjustment elements for independently rotatingthe support about one or more axes; and one or more linear adjustmentelements for independently moving the support along one or more axes.The optical control system includes one or more actuators for actuatingthe one or more rotational adjustment elements; and one or moreactuators for actuating the one or more linear adjustment elements. Thecontroller controls the actuators in actuating the rotational and linearadjustment elements to orientate and position the optical component.

Other aspects, advantages and novel features of the present inventionwill become apparent from the following detailed description of theinvention when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of an exemplary mount for anoptical component in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a rear perspective view of an exemplary mount for anoptical component in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a front perspective view of an exemplary mountsupporting an optical component in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded perspective view of an exemplary mountfor an optical component in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a side sectional view of a portion of an exemplarymount for an optical component in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 6 illustrates a rear partial transparent view of a portion of anexemplary mount for an optical component in accordance with anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates a rear partial transparent view of a portion of anexemplary mount for an optical component in accordance with anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 illustrates a rear view of a portion of an exemplary mount for anoptical component in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates a side view of a portion of an exemplary mount for anoptical component in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10 illustrates a rear perspective view of a portion of an exemplarymount for an optical component in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 11 illustrates a rear perspective view of a portion of an exemplarymount for an optical component in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 12 illustrates an internal view of a portion of an exemplary mountfor an optical component in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention;

FIGS. 13A-B illustrate perspective and side views of the exemplary basein accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 14A-B illustrate bottom and top perspective views of the exemplaryslider in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 15A-B illustrate rear and front perspective views of the exemplarybridge assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 16A-C illustrate a pair of front perspective views and a rearperspective view of the exemplary pivoting member in accordance with anembodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 17A-B illustrate front and rear perspective views of the exemplaryrolling member in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 18A-B illustrate perspective views of the exemplary upper andlower support members of the exemplary support assembly in accordancewith an embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 19 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary optical controlsystem in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1-2 illustrate front and rear perspective views of an exemplarymount 100 for an optical component in accordance with an embodiment ofthe invention. The mount 100 provides for independent positionadjustment of the mounted optical component along one or more linearaxes. In addition, the mount 100 provides for independent orientationadjustment about one or more rotational axes. The position andorientation adjustments may be made manually and/or by actuator control,as discussed in more detail below. The exemplary mount 100 is able tosupport and adjust the position and orientation of a wide variety ofoptical components, such as diffraction gratings, mirrors, beamsplitters, reflective components, transmissive components, and others.

In particular, the exemplary mount 100 comprises seven (7) primaryassemblies. These assemblies are a rotatable stage 200, a base 300, az-axis linear adjustment assembly 400, a pitch adjustment assembly 500,a roll adjustment assembly 600, a support assembly 700 for the opticalcomponent, and a bridge assembly 800. The rotatable stage 200 providesfor the rotation of the optical component about a y-axis. The base 300mechanically couples the top assemblies 500, 600, 700, and 800 to therotatable stage 200 such that rotation of the stage 200 producesrotation of these assemblies including the optical component.

The z-axis adjustment assembly 400 slides along a channel formed throughthe base 300 to provide z-axis position adjustment of the opticalcomponent. The pitch adjustment assembly 500 is pivotally coupled to thebridge assembly 800 to provide rotational adjustment of the opticalcomponent about the x-axis. The roll adjustment assembly 600 ispivotally coupled to the pitch adjustment assembly 500 to providerotational adjustment of the optical component about the z-axis. Thesupport assembly 700 securely supports the optical component in avertical orientation. The bridge assembly 800 mechanically couples thez-axis adjustment assembly 400 to the pitch and roll adjustmentassemblies 500 and 600 such that movement of the z-axis adjustmentassembly 400 along the z-axis produces movement of the pitch and rolladjustment assemblies 500 and 600 along the z-axis.

More specifically, the rotatable stage 200 comprises a fixed lowerportion 205, a rotatable middle portion 210 and an rotatable upperportion 250. The fixed lower portion 205 comprises a plurality ofsubmounts 207 (e.g., donut-shaped submounts) for securely attaching themount 100 to a fixed surface. In this example, the submounts 207 areequally spaced around the circumference of the fixed lower portion 205of the rotatable stage 200. The rotatable middle portion 210 of therotatable stage 200 comprises a rotation lock 214 for selectivelylocking the rotation of the rotatable middle portion 210 with respect tothe fixed lower portion 205. The rotatable middle portion 210 furthercomprises a fine coarse adjustment 216 for adjusting the rotation of therotatable upper portion 250 by relatively small angular distances withrespect to the middle portion 210. The fine coarse adjustment 216comprises an adjustment knob 218 and a lock 220 for selectively lockingthe adjustment knob 218; and effectively locking the rotation of therotatable upper portion 250 with respect to the middle portion 210. Themiddle and/or upper portions 210 and 250 of the rotatable stage 200 mayinclude indicia (not shown) of a measurement scale to assist the user insetting the proper orientation for the optical component.

The base 300 is securely attached to the rotatable upper portion 250 ofthe rotatable stage 200 by one or more securing devices, such as screws352. The base 300 may be manually rotatable to change the orientation ofthe optical component, or may be rotated by an actuator which may becontrolled by a controller, such as a computer, microcontroller,microprocessor, etc. As previously discussed, the base 300 comprises achannel 354 elongated in the z-axis direction which guides the movementof the z-axis adjustment assembly 400 along the z-axis direction. Thebase 300 may further include a lock 356 for selectively locking themovement of the z-axis adjustment assembly 400.

The z-axis adjustment assembly 400 comprises an elongated slider 402situated longitudinally within the channel 354 of the base 300. Thez-axis adjustment assembly 400 further comprises a z-axis adjustmentdevice 404 for adjusting the position of the optical component along thez-axis direction. In this example, the z-axis adjustment device 404comprises a knob 406 attached to (or integral with) a fine threadedscrew 408 that threads with a corresponding threaded bore of the bridgeassembly 800. The screw 408 includes an end that abuts a side of thebase 300. The z-axis adjustment assembly 400 further includes a spring(not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) that biases the base 300 against the end ofthe screw 408. When the knob 406 is turned in a clockwise direction, thethreaded bore of the bridge assembly 800 moves in the negativez-direction, causing the slider 402 to move in the negative z-direction.When the knob 406 is turned in the counterclockwise direction, thethreaded bore of the bridge assembly 800 moves in the positivez-direction, causing the slider 402 to move in the positive z-direction.The z-axis adjustment device 404 may be removable and replaced with anactuator arm for electronically adjusting the z-axis position of theslider 402; and ultimately, the z-axis position of the opticalcomponent.

The pivot adjustment assembly 500 comprises a pivoting member 502 thatis pivotally coupled to an upper portion of the bridge assembly 800. Thepivot adjustment assembly 500 further comprises a pivot adjustmentdevice 504 for adjusting the pivot orientation of the pivoting member502. In this example, the pivot adjustment device 504 comprises a knob506 attached to (or integral with) a fine threaded screw 508 thatthreads with a corresponding threaded bore of the bridge assembly 800.The screw 508 includes an end that abuts a lower portion of the pivotingmember 502. The pivot adjustment assembly 500 further includes a spring(not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) that biases the lower portion of pivotingmember 502 against the end of the screw 508. Thus, when the knob 506 isturned in a clockwise direction, the screw 508 moves in the positivez-direction, and consequently forces the pivoting member 502 to pivot ina counterclockwise direction (from the perspective of FIG. 1) againstthe biasing force of the spring. When the knob 506 is turned in thecounterclockwise direction, the screw 508 moves in the negativez-direction, and the biasing force of the spring forces the pivotingmember 502 to pivot in the clockwise direction (from the perspective ofFIG. 1). The pivot adjustment device 504 may be removable and replacedwith an actuator arm for electronically adjusting the pivot orientationof the pivoting member 502; and ultimately, the pivot orientation of theoptical component.

The roll adjustment assembly 600 comprises a rolling member 602 that isrotationally coupled to the pivoting member 502 of the pivot adjustmentassembly 500. The roll adjustment assembly 600 further comprises a rolladjustment device 604 for adjusting the roll orientation of the rollingmember 602. In this example, the roll adjustment device 604 comprises aknob 606 attached to (or integral with) a fine threaded screw 608 thatthreads with a corresponding threaded bore of the pivot adjustmentassembly 500. The screw 608 includes an end that abuts a post (not shownin FIGS. 1 and 2) attached to an upper portion of the rolling member602. The post extends longitudinally towards the negative z-directionfrom the rolling member 602. The pivot adjustment assembly 600 furtherincludes a spring (not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) that biases the post ofthe rolling member 602 against the end of the screw 608. Thus, when theknob 606 is turned in a clockwise direction, the screw 608 moves in thepositive x-direction, and consequently forces the rolling member 602 toroll in a clockwise direction (from the perspective of FIG. 1) againstthe biasing force of the spring. When the knob 606 is turned in thecounterclockwise direction, the screw 608 moves in the negativez-direction, and the biasing force of the spring forces the rollingmember 602 to pivot in a counterclockwise direction (from theperspective of FIG. 1). The adjustment device 604 may be removable andreplaced with an actuator arm for electronically adjusting the rollorientation of the rolling member 602; and ultimately, the rollorientation of the optical component.

The support assembly 700 for the optical component comprises an uppersupport member 710 and a lower support member 750. The upper supportmember 710 is attached to an upper portion of the rolling member 602 byone or more fasteners, such as screws 712. Similarly, the lower supportmember 750 is attached to a lower portion of the rolling member 602 byone or more fasteners, such as screws 752. The rolling member 602 mayinclude a plurality of threaded holes 610 configured to thread with thescrews 712 and 752 for securing the upper and lower support members 710and 750 of the support assembly 700 to the rolling member 602. The setsof holes 610 may be vertically spaced apart along the rolling member 602to accommodate different vertical positions for the upper and lowersupport members 710 and 750 of the support assembly 700. This allows themount 100 to accommodate different sized optical components. The lowersupport member 750 may further respectively comprise one or more pads754 to provide a cushion contact of the lower support member 750 to theoptical component.

As shown in FIG. 3, the optical component 900 is sandwiched between theupper and lower support members 710 and 750 of the support assembly 700.As previously discussed, the optical component may comprise a widevariety of optical components, such as diffraction gratings, mirrors,beam splitters, reflective components, transmissive components, andothers. The support assembly 700 further includes one or more screws716, such as nylon screws or other devices, for securing the opticalcomponent to the support assembly 700.

As discussed, the mount 100 provides for independent position andorientation adjustment of the mounted optical component 900 along one ormore linear and rotational axes. For instance, the mount 100 includes az-axis adjustment assembly 400 for independently adjusting the z-axisposition of the optical component. Although, in this example, the mount100 includes an adjustment assembly for one linear direction, the mount100 may include adjustment assemblies for linear directions, such as inthe x- and y-directions. The mount 100 further includes three (3)independent rotational adjustment assemblies, such as the rotationalstage 200, the pivot adjustment assembly 500, and the roll adjustmentassembly 600. These features make the mount 100 versatile in positioningand orienting an optical component in an optical system.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the exemplary mount100 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. As previouslydiscussed, the exemplary mount 100 comprises seven (7) primaryassemblies. These assemblies are the rotatable stage 200, the base 300,the z-axis linear adjustment assembly 400, the pitch adjustment assembly500, the roll adjustment assembly 600, the support assembly 700 for theoptical component, and the bridge assembly 800. This exploded diagram ofthe exemplary mount 100 illustrates more components of these assembliesas discussed below.

As previously discussed, the rotatable stage 200 comprises the lowerfixed portion 205 including the submounts 207, and the rotatable middleportion 210 including the rotation lock 214, and the fine coarseadjustment 216. Also, as previously discussed, the rotatable stage 200comprises the upper rotatable portion 250. As shown, the upper rotatableportion 250 includes a plurality of threaded holes 252 to thread withcorresponding screws 352 in order to secure the base 300 to the upperrotatable portion 250 of the stage 200.

As previously discussed, the base 300 comprises the screws 352 situatedwithin corresponding countersunk thru-holes 356 for securing the base300 to the upper rotatable portion 250 of the stage 200. The base 300further comprises the channel 354 which guides the z-axis movement ofthe slider 402 of the z-axis adjustment assembly 400, and the lock 356comprising a locking screw 356 a, a dowel 356 b, and a thru-hole 356 cformed on the side of the base 300. Additionally, the base 300 comprisesan elongated rigid guide rail 358 situated longitudinally on one side ofthe channel 354, and an elongated resilient guide rail 360 situatedlongitudinally on the opposite side of the channel 354. The lock 356prevents the movement of the slider 402 by the dowel 356 b, being urgedby the screw 356 a into the thru-hole 356 c, exerting a lateral forceagainst the elongated resilient guide rail 360, which, in turn, exerts africtional force on the slider 402.

The base 300 further comprises a lateral spring force device 362comprising four (4) sets of screws 362 a laterally securingcorresponding springs 362 b within corresponding thru-holes 362 c. Theends of the springs 362 b abut the elongated resilient guide rail 360.The springs 362 b absorb lateral forces against the slider 402 by way ofthe elongated resilient guide rail 360.

The base 300 further comprises an elongated slot 364 situatedlongitudinally within the channel 354 for housing therein the spring 412that biases the base 300 against the end of the screw 408 of the z-axisadjustment assembly 400. A pin 414 secures an end of the spring 412 tothe base 300 within the elongated slot 364. The base 300 furthercomprises a stop 366 to prevent the movement of the slider 402 along thenegative z-axis direction beyond a particular location. The stop 366 isin the form of a raised flat protrusion which slides within acorresponding groove (not shown in FIG. 4) on the bottom of the slider402. The base 300 further comprises a hole 368 to receive a pad 360 atan end portion of the channel 354. The pad 370 cushions the end of thescrew 408 during operation. The base 300 may further comprise anadhesive label 372 to indicate manufacturer, product information, andother information. The label 372 may be attached to the side of the base300.

As previously discussed, the z-axis adjustment assembly 400 comprisesthe slider 402, and the z-axis adjustment device 404 including the knob406 and the screw 408. The slider 402 further comprises on both sideselongated grooves 410 that respectively mate with the elongated rigidand resilient guide rails 358 and 360 of the base 300. The slide 402further comprises one or more threaded holes 412 that threads withthreaded bolts 802 for securing the bridge assembly 800 to the slider402. The slider 402 further comprises a thru-hole 418 to allow access tothe corresponding screw 352 that secures the base 300 to the upperrotatable portion 250 of the stage 200. The z-axis adjustment assembly400 further comprises a pin 416 coupled to the other end of the spring412, and securely situated within a catch 816 formed on the rear side ofthe bridge assembly 800.

As previously discussed, the pivot adjustment assembly 500 comprises thepivoting member 502, and the pivot adjustment device 504 including theknob 506 and the screw 508. Additionally, the pivot adjustment assembly500 comprises a spring 510 that biases the pivoting member 502 againstthe bridge assembly 800. The spring 510 is held at one end by a pin 512situated within a catch 818 formed on the rear side of the bridgeassembly 800. The spring 508 is held at the other end by a pin 514situated within a catch formed on the front side of the rolling member602. The pivot adjustment assembly 500 further comprises a pair ofgrooves 516 that respectively receive a pair of pivot balls 826 from thebridge assembly 800. A pad 522 may be provided between one or both ofthe balls 826 and the corresponding groove 516 to improve the interfacethereof.

The axis of rotation of the pivoting member 502 coincides substantiallywith the centers of the pivot balls 826. The pivot adjustment assembly500 further comprises a pair of vertically-oriented pins 518 securelysituated within corresponding vertically-oriented grooves 520 formed onthe rear side of the pivot member 502. The end of the screw 508 of thepivot adjustment device 504 is situated between the grooves 520, andslides vertically along the pins 518 as the pivoting member 502 pivots.The pivoting member 502 further includes a thru-hole 524 through whichthe spring 510 extends from the bridge assembly 800 to the rolladjustment assembly 600. The pivot adjustment assembly 500 furthercomprises a hole 528 to receive a threaded bore 526 which, in turn,threads with the screw 608 of the roll adjustment device 604 for theroll adjustment assembly 600. A screw 530 is provided to secure thethreaded bore 526 onto the pivoting member 502.

As previously discussed, the roll adjustment assembly 600 comprises therolling member 602 including sets of threaded holes 610 for securing theupper and lower support members 710 and 750 of the optical componentsupport 700 to the rolling member 602. Also, as previously discussed,the roll adjustment assembly 600 comprises the roll adjustment device604 including the knob 606 and screw 608. The roll adjustment assembly600 further comprises a cylindrical guide 612 situated on the rear sideof the rolling member, which mates with a lubricated countersunk holeformed on the front side of the pivoting member 502. The cylindricalguide 612 includes a centralized hole 614 through which the spring 510extends to the catch for the securing pin 514 of the spring 510. Thecylindrical guide 612 further includes a plurality of pads 616 forimproving the interface of the cylindrical guide 612 to the countersunkhole of the pivoting member 502. Along a particular side of thecylindrical guide 612 are a plurality of holes 618 that receiverespective springs 620 and ball bearings 622 to form a resilient fit ofthe cylindrical guide 612 into the countersunk hole of the pivotingmember 502.

The roll adjustment assembly 600 further comprises a post 624 thatextends in the negative z-axis direction from the rear side of therolling member 602. The post 624 includes a flat portion that abuts theend of the screw 608 of the roll adjustment device 604. The clockwiseturning of the screw 608 causes its end to push against the post 624 tocause the rolling member 602 to roll in a particular direction. The rolladjustment assembly 600 also comprises a catch 626 to receive a securingpin 628 that secures an end of a spring 630 to the catch 626. The otherend of the spring 630 is secured to the pivoting member 502 with asecuring pin 632. Thus, when the screw 608 of the roll adjustment device604 is turned in the counterclockwise direction, the biasing force ofthe spring 630 causes the rolling member 602 to roll in the otherdirection.

Most of the components of the support assembly 700 for the opticalcomponent have already been discussed. The support assembly 700 mayfurther include a plurality of pins 718 situated within respectiveopposed holes of the upper and lower members 710 and 750 and the frontside of the rolling member 602. The pins 718 assist in horizontallyorienting the upper and lower members 710 and 750 to the rolling member602.

As previously discussed, the bridge assembly 800 comprises a pluralityof thru-holes to assist in operationally securing the z-axis adjustmentassembly 400, the pivot adjustment assembly 500, and the roll adjustmentassembly 600 together. For instance, the bridge assembly 800 includesthru-holes 822 through which the screws 802 extend for securing theslider 402 to the bridge assembly 800. The bridge assembly 800 furtherincludes thru-hole 820 to receive the threaded bore 804 which threadswith the screw 408 of the z-axis adjustment device 404 of the z-axisadjustment assembly 400. The bridge assembly 800 further includesthru-hole 824 to receive the threaded bore 806 which threads with thescrew 508 of the pivot adjustment device 504 of the pivot adjustmentassembly 400. The bridge assembly 800 includes catches 816 and 818 forthe securing pins 416 and 512 for the springs 412 and 510, respectively.The bridge assembly 800 includes holes 812 and 814 for receiving screws808 and 810 for securing the threaded bores 804 and 806 to the bridgeassembly 800. The bridge assembly 800 includes a rolling pin 830 havinga threaded hole 832 that threads with the screw 810 for securing thethreaded bore 806 to the bridge assembly 800.

FIG. 5 illustrates a side sectional view of a portion of the exemplarymount 100 for an optical component in accordance with an embodiment ofthe invention. As shown, the screw 408 of the adjustment device 404 forthe z-axis adjustment assembly 400 includes a steel ball 409 that abutsthe pad 370 of the base 300. Also, the screw 508 of the adjustmentdevice 504 for the pivot adjustment assembly 500 includes a steel ball509 that slides between the pair of pins 518 of the pivot adjustmentassembly 500. The screw 608 of the adjustment device 604 for the rolladjustment assembly 600 includes a steel ball (not shown) that abuts aflat portion of the post 624. Additionally, as shown, the end of thenylon screw 716 applies downward pressure to securely hold the opticalcomponent 900 between the upper and lower members 710 and 750 of thesupport assembly 700.

FIG. 6 illustrates a rear partial transparent view of a portion of theexemplary mount 100 for an optical component in accordance with anembodiment of the invention. As shown, the pivot adjustment assembly 600includes an interchangeable collet 527 around the threaded bore 526which threads with the screw 608 of the adjustment device 604 of theroll adjustment assembly 600. Also, as shown, the pivot balls 826 andcorresponding grooves 516 form a kinematic arrangement. Also, the steelball 509 at the end of the pivot adjustment screw 508 situated betweenthe pins 518 also forms a kinematic arrangement. There are other ways toform kinematic arrangements to facilitate the pivoting of the pivotingmember 502. As previously discussed, the holes 618 at the sides of thecylindrical guide 612 respectively receive the springs 620 and steelballs 622 to provide a radial biasing load.

FIG. 7 illustrates a rear partial transparent view of a portion of theexemplary mount 100 for an optical component in accordance with anembodiment of the invention. As shown, the bridge assembly 800 includesan interchangeable collet 807 around the threaded bore 806 which threadswith the screw 508 of the adjustment device 504 of the pivot adjustmentassembly 500. As previously discussed, the cylindrical guide 612includes a plurality of pads 616 which rides on a bed of lubrication inthe countersunk hole of the pivoting member 502. This facilitates theinterface of the cylindrical guide 612 to the countersunk hole.

FIG. 8 illustrates a rear view of a portion of the exemplary mount 100for an optical component in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention. As shown, the sets of springs 362 b and screws 362 a providelateral biasing force on the elongated resilient guide rail 360.Additionally, the dowel 356 b and corresponding locking screw 356 aprovide a lock to prevent movement of the slider 402 by applying lateralpressure on the elongated resilient guide rail 360, which, in turn,applies pressure to the slider 402 for frictionally locking the slider402.

FIG. 9 illustrates a side view of a portion of the exemplary mount 100for an optical component in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention. In this diagram, the pivoting member 502 is shown with abouta seven (7) degree downward pitch.

FIG. 10 illustrates a rear perspective view of a portion of theexemplary mount 100 for an optical component in accordance with anembodiment of the invention. The roll adjustment assembly 600 mayfurther comprise a lock 640 for selectively preventing the movement ofthe rolling member 602 when set to a desired orientation. In thisexample, the roll adjustment assembly 600 may include a pair of screwssituated in thru-holes at the side of the pivoting member 502. The endsof the screws apply pressure to the respective sets of springs 626 andsteel balls 622 situated within respective holes 618 at the sides of thecylindrical guide 612. Additionally, the lock 640 may further include alocking screw situated within a threaded thru-hole at the side of thepivoting member 502. The end of the locking screw is adapted to makefrictional contact to the side of the cylindrical guide 612 to lock therolling member 602 in the selected orientation.

FIG. 11 illustrates a rear perspective view of a portion of theexemplary mount 100 for an optical component in accordance with anembodiment of the invention. Similar to the locking feature 640 of theroll adjustment assembly 600 previously discussed, the pivot adjustmentassembly 500 may also include a lock 530 to selectively prevent themovement of the pivoting member 502 when set to a desired orientation.With reference to FIG. 12, the lock 530 comprises a locking set screw532 situated in a threaded thru-hole at the side of the bridge assembly800. The end of the screw 532 makes frictional contact to a flange 534attached to the rear side of the pivoting member 502. The frictionalcontact prevents pivoting of the pivoting member 502; thereby lockingthe member in the selected orientation.

FIGS. 13A-B illustrate perspective and side views of the exemplary base300 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. As previouslydiscussed in detail, the base 300 comprises one or more thru-holes 356to respectively receive threaded screws 352 for securing the base 300 tothe upper rotatable portion 250 of the stage 200. The base 300 alsocomprises the channel 354 through which the slider 402 of the z-axisadjustment assembly 400 moves longitudinally in the z-direction. Thebase 300 further includes the elongated rigid guide rail 358 situatedlongitudinally along one side of the channel 354. Additionally, the base300 includes the elongated resilient guide rail 360 situatedlongitudinally along the other side of the channel 354.

The base 300 also includes the slot 364 which houses the spring 412 thatbiases the pad 370 of the base 300 against the end of the screw 408 ofthe z-axis adjustment device 404. The base 300 includes the stop 366 tostop the movement of the slider 402 in the negative z-direction at aparticular position. The base 300 includes the side thru-holes holes 362c to receive respective sets of springs 362 b and screws 362 a. Aspreviously discussed, the ends of the springs 362 b contact theelongated resilient guide rail 360 to absorb lateral forces upon theslider 402. The base 300 further includes the other side thru-hole 356 cthat receives the dowel 356 b and locking screw 356 a. During locking,the end of the dowel 356 b makes contact with the elongated resilientguide rail 360, which, in turn, makes frictional contact with the slider402 to prevent the movement of the slider 402; thereby locking it into aselected position.

FIGS. 14A-B illustrate bottom and top perspective views of the exemplaryslider 402 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Aspreviously discussed in detail, the slider 402 comprises elongatedgrooves 410 that ride on the elongated rigid and resilient guide rails358 and 360 of the base 300 as it slides in the z-direction. The slider402 includes the thru-hole 418 to provide access to one of the screws352 that mount the base 300 to the upper rotatable portion 250 of thestage 200. The slider 402 further includes the pair of threaded holes412 that thread with the screws 802 of the bridge assembly 800 to securethe bridge assembly 800 to the slider 402. The slider 402 includes agroove 420 on its bottom that mates with the stop 366 of the base 300.The interior edge of the groove 420 makes contact with the interior edgeof the stop 366 to prevent further movement of the slider 402 in thenegative z-direction. The slider 402 may include a plurality of ridges422 at the four corners on the bottom of the slider 402. The ridges 422reduce the contact area of the slider 402 to the bottom of the channel354 to reduce friction.

FIGS. 15A-B illustrate rear and front perspective views of the exemplarybridge assembly 800 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.As previously discussed in detail, the bridge assembly 800 comprisescatches 816 and 818 for the securing pins 416 and 512 that respectivesecure ends of the springs 412 and 510 to the bridge assembly 800. Thebridge assembly 800 further comprises the thru-holes 820 and 824 thatreceive the threaded bores 804 and 806 that threads with thecorresponding screws 408 and 508 of the z-axis and pivot adjustmentdevices 404 and 504, respectively. The bridge assembly 800 also includesthe countersunk thru-holes 822 that respectively receive the screws 802that secure the bridge assembly 800 to the slider 402. The bridgeassembly 800 also includes the threaded thru-hole 812 that receive thescrews 808 that secures the threaded bore 804 to the bridge assembly800. The bridge assembly 800 further includes a pair of grooves 825 thatreceive the steel balls 826 that form the kinematic arrangement with thecorresponding holes 516 of the pivoting member 502. The bridge assembly800 also includes a hole 831 for receiving the rolling pin 830, and theother thru-hole 814 for receiving the screw 810 that threads with thethreaded hole 832 of the rolling pin 830 to secure the threaded bore 806to the bridge assembly 800.

FIGS. 16A-C illustrate a pair of front perspective views and a rearperspective view of the exemplary pivoting member 502 in accordance withan embodiment of the invention. As previously discussed in detail, thepivoting member 502 comprises a thru-hole 524 through which the spring510 extends from the bridge assembly 800 to the rolling member 602. Thepivoting member 502 further comprises the hole 528 for receiving thethreaded bore 526 which, in turn, threads with the screw 608 of the rolladjustment device 604. The pivoting member 502 comprises a threadedthru-hole 529 that receives the screw 530 for securing the threaded bore526 to the pivoting member 502. The pivoting member 502 furthercomprises a catch 540 for the securing pin 632 that secures an end ofthe spring 630 to the pivoting member 502. The pivoting member 502 alsoincludes an elongated groove 542 that houses the spring 630 and theother catch 626 that protrudes from the rear side of the rolling member602. The pivoting member 502 also includes the countersunk hole 544 thatreceives the cylindrical guide 612 that protrudes from the rear side ofthe rolling member 602. Additionally, the pivoting member 502 includesan opening 546 that receives the post 624 that protrudes from the rearside of the rolling member 602. As previously discussed, the end of thescrew 608 of the roll adjustment device 604 abuts a flat portion of thepost 624 within the joining holes 528 and 546.

FIGS. 17A-B illustrate front and rear perspective views of the exemplaryrolling member 602 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Aspreviously discussed, the rolling member 602 comprises sets of threadedthru-holes 610 and fitted holes 611 positioned vertically along therolling member 602 at predetermined locations to accommodate opticalcomponents having different heights. The threaded thru-holes 610 threadwith screws 712 to secure the upper and lower members 710 and 750 of thesupport assembly 700 to the rolling member 602. The other holes 711receive pins 718 that assist with horizontally aligning the upper andlower member 710 and 750 of the support assembly 700. The rolling member602 also includes the cylindrical guide 612 that protrudes from the rearside of the rolling member 602 into the countersunk hole 544 of thepivoting member 502.

The cylindrical guide 612 includes the centralized hole 614 that leadsto a catch 650 that holds the securing pin 514 that secures an end ofthe spring 510 to the rolling member 602. The side of the cylindricalguide 612 includes the holes 618 that respectively receive springs 620and steel balls 622 that provide resilient radial support of thecylindrical guide 612 within the countersunk hole 544 of the pivotingmember 502. The cylindrical guide 612 also includes the pads 616 thatsits on a bed of lubricant at the bottom surface of the countersunk hole544. The rolling member 602 also includes the catch 626 for the securingpin 628 that secures an end of the spring 630 to the rolling member 602.The rolling member 602 further includes a threaded hole 623 that threadswith a screw 625 that secures the post 624 to the rolling member 602.

FIGS. 18A-B illustrate perspective views of the exemplary upper andlower members of the exemplary support assembly 700 in accordance withan embodiment of the invention. As previously discussed in detail, thesupport assembly 700 for the optical component includes the uppersupport member 710 and the lower support member 750. The upper supportmember 710 includes a pair of countersunk holes 711 to respectivelyreceive the screws 712 that secure the upper support member 710 to therolling member 602. The upper support member 710 further comprises oneor more holes 714 for receiving one or more screws 716 that secure theoptical component onto the support assembly 700. The upper supportmember 710 includes a pair of holes (not shown in this Figure) torespectively receive the alignment pins 718 that facilitate thehorizontal alignment of the upper support member 710 to the rollingmember 602.

The lower support member 750 includes a pair of countersunk holes 751 torespectively receive the screws 752 that secure the lower support member750 to the rolling member 602. The lower support member 750 furthercomprises a plurality of grooves 753 to respectively receive the pads754 that cushion the bottom of the optical component. The lower supportmember 750 includes a pair of holes (not shown in this Figure) torespectively receive the alignment pins that facilitate the horizontalalignment of the lower support member 750 to the rolling member 602.

FIG. 19 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary optical controlsystem 1000 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Theoptical system 1000 that provides for electronic control of a mount toselectively position and orientate an optical component supportedthereon. In this exemplary embodiment, the optical control system 1000comprises a controller 1010, a z-axis linear adjustment actuator 1020, az-axis rotational adjustment actuator 1030, an x-axis rotationaladjustment actuator 1040, and a y-axis rotational adjustment actuator1050. The actuators are coupled and controlled by the controller 1010.The actuators, in turn, are coupled to a mount 1060, such as the mount100 previously described, in order to position and orientate an opticalcomponent mounted thereon. Thus, in this embodiment, the position andorientation of the optical component can be controlled electronically bya controller 1010. It shall be understood that the optical controlsystem 1000 may further include an x-axis and/or y-axis linearadjustment actuators if the mount 1060 is equipped with x- and y-axeslinear adjustment assemblies.

In summary, the mount 100 provides for independent adjustment of theoptical component along one or more linear axes and one or morerotational axes. Accordingly, the mount 100 provides versatility inproperly positioning and orienting an optical component in an opticalsystem. This can save substantial amount of labor time and costs. Themount 100 may be made of various types of materials, such as brass,steel, aluminum, glass reinforced polymer, and others.

While an improved mount and optical control system are disclosed byreference to the various embodiments and examples detailed above, itshould be understood that these examples are intended in an illustrativerather than limiting sense, as it is contemplated that modificationswill readily occur to those skilled in the art which are intended tofall within the scope of the present invention.

1. An optical control system, comprising: a mount for an opticalcomponent, comprising: a support element for supporting said opticalcomponent; a first adjustment element for moving said support elementonly along a first axis; a second adjustment element for rotating saidsupport element only about said first axis; a third adjustment elementfor rotating said support element only about a second axis that issubstantially orthogonal to said first axis; and a fourth adjustmentelement for rotating said support element only along a third axissubstantially orthogonal to said first and second axes; one or moreactuators for actuating any one or more of the first, second, third, orthird adjustment elements; and a controller for controlling the one ormore actuators to orient and position said optical component.
 2. Theoptical control system of claim 1, wherein said support element isattached to said second adjustment element.
 3. The optical controlsystem of claim 1, wherein said second adjustment element is pivotallycoupled to said third adjustment element.
 4. The optical control systemof claim 1, wherein said first adjustment element is coupled to saidthird adjustment element.
 5. The optical control system of claim 4,wherein said first adjustment element is coupled to said thirdadjustment element by way of a bridge element.
 6. The optical controlsystem of claim 1, wherein said first adjustment element comprises anadjustment device for manually adjusting said movement of said supportelement only along said first axis.
 7. The optical control system ofclaim 1, wherein said first adjustment element is adapted to receive anactuator arm for adjusting said movement of said support element onlyalong said first axis.
 8. The optical control system of claim 1, whereinsaid second adjustment element comprises an adjustment device formanually adjusting said rotation of said support element only about saidfirst axis.
 9. The optical control system of claim 1, wherein saidsecond adjustment element is adapted to receive an actuator arm foradjusting said rotation of said support element only about said firstaxis.
 10. The optical control system of claim 1, wherein said thirdadjustment element comprises an adjustment device for manually adjustingsaid rotation of said support element only about said second axis. 11.The optical control system of claim 1, wherein said third adjustmentelement is adapted to receive an actuator arm for adjusting saidrotation of said support element only along said second axis.
 12. Theoptical control system of claim 1, wherein said fourth adjustmentelement comprises an adjustment device for manually adjusting saidrotation of said support element only along said third axis.
 13. Theoptical control system of claim 1, wherein said fourth adjustmentelement is adapted to receive an actuator arm for adjusting saidrotation of said support element only along said third axis.
 14. Theoptical control system of claim 1, wherein said fourth adjustmentelement supports said support element, and said first, second, and thirdadjustment elements.
 15. The optical control system of claim 1, whereinsaid optical component comprises a substantially optically reflectivedevice.
 16. The optical control system of claim 1, wherein said opticalcomponent comprises a substantially optically transmissive device. 17.The optical control system of claim 1, wherein said optical componentcomprises a diffraction grating, mirror, or beam splitter.
 18. Anoptical control system, comprising: a mount for an optical component,comprising: a support assembly for supporting said optical component; afirst adjustment assembly for moving said support assembly along a firstaxis; a second adjustment assembly for rotating said support assemblyabout said first axis; a third adjustment assembly for rotating saidsupport assembly about a second axis that is substantially orthogonal tosaid first axis; and a rotatable stage comprising a lower fixed portionand an upper rotatable portion that rotates about a third axis that issubstantially orthogonal to said first and second axes, wherein saidrotatable stage supports said first, second, and third assemblies; oneor more actuators for actuating any one or more of the first, second, orthird adjustment assembly, or the rotatable stage; and a controller forcontrolling the one or more actuators to orient and position saidoptical component.
 19. The optical control system of claim 18, whereinsaid support assembly comprises: a first support member adapted tocontact a first end of said optical component; and a second supportmember adapted to contact a second end of said optical component. 20.The optical control system of claim 19, wherein said first and secondsupport members are attached to said second adjustment assembly.
 21. Theoptical control system of claim 19, wherein said first and secondsupport members are adapted to attach to said second adjustment assemblyat different predetermined locations to accommodate different sizes forsaid optical component.
 22. The optical control system of claim 18,wherein said second adjustment assembly is rotationally coupled saidthird adjustment assembly.
 23. The optical control system of claim 18,further comprising a lock for locking said second adjustment assembly toa selected orientation.
 24. The optical control system of claim 18,wherein said third adjustment assembly is pivotally coupled said firstadjustment assembly.
 25. The optical control system of claim 24, whereinsaid third adjustment assembly is pivotally coupled to said firstadjustment assembly via a bridge assembly.
 26. The optical controlsystem of claim 18, further comprising a lock for locking said thirdadjustment assembly to a selected orientation.
 27. The optical controlsystem of claim 18, further comprising a base including a channelthrough which said first adjustment assembly moves along said z-axis.28. The optical control system of claim 18, further comprising a lockfor locking said first adjustment assembly to a selected position. 29.The optical control system of claim 18, further comprising a lock forlocking said rotatable stage to a selected orientation.
 30. An opticalcontrol system, comprising: a mount for an optical component,comprising: a support assembly for supporting said optical component; afirst adjustment assembly for moving said support assembly along a firstaxis; a second adjustment assembly for rotating said support assemblyabout said first axis; a third adjustment assembly for rotating saidsupport assembly about a second axis that is substantially orthogonal tosaid first axis, wherein said second adjustment assembly is rotationallycoupled said third adjustment assembly; and a spring attached to saidsecond and third adjustment assemblies to angularly bias said secondadjustment assembly about said first axis; one or more actuators foractuating any one or more of the first, second, or third adjustmentassembly; and a controller for controlling the one or more actuators toorient and position said optical component.
 31. An optical controlsystem, comprising: a mount for an optical component, comprising: asupport assembly for supporting said optical component; a firstadjustment assembly for moving said support assembly along a first axis;a second adjustment assembly for rotating said support assembly aboutsaid first axis; a third adjustment assembly for rotating said supportassembly about a second axis that is substantially orthogonal to saidfirst axis, wherein said third adjustment assembly is pivotally coupledto said first adjustment assembly via a bridge assembly; and a springattached to said bridge and third adjustment assemblies to angularlybias said third adjustment assembly about said second axis; one or moreactuators for actuating any one or more of the first, second, or thirdadjustment assembly; and a controller for controlling the one or moreactuators to orient and position said optical component.
 32. An opticalcontrol system, comprising: a mount for an optical component,comprising: a support assembly for supporting said optical component; afirst adjustment assembly for moving said support assembly along a firstaxis; a second adjustment assembly for rotating said support assemblyabout said first axis; a third adjustment assembly for rotating saidsupport assembly about a second axis that is substantially orthogonal tosaid first axis; a base including a channel through which said firstadjustment assembly moves along said z-axis; and a spring attached tosaid base and said first adjustment assembly to bias said base againstan adjustment device of said first adjustment assembly; one or moreactuators for actuating any one or more of the first, second, or thirdadjustment assembly; and a controller for controlling the one or moreactuators to orient and position said optical component.